Dr. Ali-Reza Muhammad Merali – Internist / Geriatrician | Vaughan, ON

Dr. Ali-Reza Muhammad Merali is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Vaughan, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. Adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Merali offers expert care tailored to the unique needs of each patient, especially older adults and seniors, fostering trust and collaboration in the therapeutic relationship.

He graduated with his Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine in 2011 and has completed extensive postgraduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. His certifications include fellowships and affiliations that affirm his commitment to continuous professional development and excellence in patient care. Dr. Merali stays current with evolving medical practices to ensure his patients benefit from the latest evidence-based approaches.

With a warm and community-centered philosophy, Dr. Merali strives to provide compassionate, personalized care in Vaughan. He speaks English, French, Gujarati, and Kachchi, enabling him to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. His practice emphasizes listening carefully to patient concerns, fostering a supportive environment, and working collaboratively to optimize health outcomes for each individual.

Dr. Merali provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.

Dr. Merali manages a wide range of complex adult and geriatric health conditions. This list highlights common areas of focus. If your condition is not listed, please note that internal medicine specialists address diverse and often multi-systemic diseases. Consultation is typically initiated via referral from your primary care physician.

• Management of Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Merali. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, he provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Merali's scope of practice, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Dr. Merali's practice is located in the vibrant Vaughan community within the Concord Central area, near the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC). His clinic is situated within Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, providing easy access for patients. The location offers convenient Highway 400 access and is well-served by York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Merali? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Merali are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)) when you present a valid health card and have the required referral. You generally do not pay directly for the consultation service itself. Some specific procedures, forms, or administrative tasks might not be covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and may incur a separate fee according to provincial guidelines. Please inquire if you have questions about uninsured services.

Can I book an appointment directly or do I absolutely need a referral?

A referral from your family physician or another medical specialist is required to see Dr. Merali. As experts in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Internists and Geriatricians see patients based on specific medical questions posed by the referring doctor. This ensures continuity of care and that the consultation is appropriate for your needs. Please have your doctor forward the referral information.

Can a family member or friend accompany me to the appointment?

Yes, absolutely. Patients are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver to their appointment for support, to help recall information, or to ask questions. Especially for complex discussions or if memory is a concern, having a second person present can be very beneficial.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring:

• Your provincial health card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card).
• The referral letter if you have it.
• A complete list of ALL your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs), including doses. Bringing the actual bottles/packaging is often very helpful.
• A list of your past medical history, surgeries, and known allergies.
• Any relevant medical reports, lab results, or imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) reports you possess.
• A list of your specific questions or concerns for Dr. Merali.

When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?

Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease or Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)), multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management (Urinary Incontinence Assessment). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

What typically happens during a first consultation?

During your initial visit, Dr. Merali will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. He will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, he will discuss Dr. Merali's findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.

Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital
A wing, Level 1, Room 100, 9100 Jane Street, Division of Neurology
Vaughan, ON L4K 0A4

Phone: (905) 832-9311 | Fax: (888) 402-2389

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Merali is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Merali-AliReza-Muhammad/0284584-99867